17

Chloe Adams- She used to be mine.

~

Alex woke first.

The first thing she felt were the arms around her, keeping her pressed to a chest. Her head hurting until she remembered where she was.

What happened last night.

Sighing, she took his hands off her body carefully before sitting up and looking at him. Her eyes counting the freckles on his face and chuckling when she realized how stupid it was.

Alex let her hand move to his hair. It was soft, and not as wavy as Marcos', but it tickled her fingers. Made her... Relax.

Last night, after she brought him back home, she had wanted to leave. She still couldn't leave Adriana alone. It was one rule she wouldn't ever break, and even if she tried, Marcos wouldn't let her.

Yet, she knew Paris had no idea about her Mother and had promised him that she'd talk to his Father, so she did.

When she was sure he was asleep, she slipped out the room and walked to Sebastian's study. It had been late, but she knew he'd still be seated, waiting for her.

She had sent a maid to him before she met Paris anyway.

Sebastian Holmes sat in his chair, like he had been expecting her sooner or later, which was good, she didn't want to spend much time there anyway. "Parker,"

Alex stared at him for a while. She could feel the pride rolling off him in waves. It would have made other people uncomfortable but the similarity to Paris made her relax. "I suppose you know why I'm here."

"Well, I remember calling Wystwood High for more info on my son's studies, which is usually my business but was refused any information," He said, staring at her. It was obvious it displeased him to look at her. Talk to her even. "And sources point to you. Apparently, you have my son under your command and anything I want answered, has to be given only by you."

She was exhausted and didn't even try hiding it. "You sound disappointed,"

"Forgive me. Here I was thinking I was hiding it perfectly."

Alex stared at his table. Her eyes looking at the papers and files on it before spotting the gold tag with his name on it, and raising it up. "Ever heard the name Carneficina?"

Just like that, the power in the room had shifted. Whatever arrogance Sebastian had vanished, replaced with discomfort and disbelief. "How do you know that name?"

She didn't answer him, instead, she sat opposite him now, crossing her legs and saying with a blank expression. "So you do know it. I suppose you should. You're a lawyer so you must have come across the name once or twice. I hear it's a big deal to people like you, to work for them. Would you like to?"

Again, she had managed to surprise him. Sebastian never seemed to hide his reactions. "What?"

"I came with an offer." Alex continued, "You can work for them. Don't worry. You'd be safe, and please, don't say no. If you care about your son, and would like to still have chances to be a Father. Don't."

The Carnefecina. The Italian Mafia. The reason her school did as much as they could to avoid her existence. Someone, high up there, had Alex under their watch which meant being protected constantly, even though she hated it.

And she had never used that power. Never asked for favours.

Until now.

Once, Alex had gone through Marcos' file of Paris. They wasn't anything too incriminating. Except the mention of another child, Zephyr who had died at the age of three, and certain drug prescriptions for an Elise Holmes. Drugs that made Alex stare at the file for a while.

It wasn't much of a speculation, but she remembered Hermes had once had a problem and refused to go to the hospital. Like he was scared to tell his Father, because it meant having something against him.

She didn't know what it was, and she wouldn't ask, no matter how curious she got. Paris never asked about her past anyway.

But she swore to protect them, and she'd do whatever it was to achieve that.

Finally, Sebastian's arrogance returned. His hands were in fists as he said, with as much authority he could possibly mutter, "Paris doesn't have to be involved,"

"It's fine. He's under my protection, but why do you sound like you care?" Alex tilted her head. "A little birdie told me you don't care. Ever since—"

His eyes formed slants. "Don't."

Alex stared at him quietly for a few seconds. It was clear he still felt the death of one of his son's, and possibly blamed Paris for it.

Sighing now, she stood, saying loud enough for him to hear. "Parents always tend to let their personal affairs get caught up with the child. They push them away, lie, and avoid them, because they're hurting and angry and want to keep a strong front, but I think that's stupid really. Children— Children just really want to be seen, loved too."

"And the funniest thing?" She asked, now walking to the door. "You all realize at the last moment that you actually give shits about us, and want to make up for it, but it doesn't work that way."

He said nothing about it.

When she opened it, she turned towards him and said, "Tomorrow, They would like to see you. I'm sure you'd get the address tomorrow. Please, don't be late. They don't like that." And walked out.

Now that she thought of it, Alex knew doing that was one of the craziest things she had ever done.

They were always trying to get her working for them, but she ignored every plea. Killing or Threatening people weren't things she felt comfortable with.

Though they called it 'protecting' like she usually did.

She punched Them.

In minutes, she was done the stairs and in the kitchen. It was a Tuesday, and a school day, but she didn't have it in her to go.

Besides, she had left her pills back home so she wouldn't take more than necessary, and her head was hurting from it now.

She walked into the kitchen now, spotting a maid at the counter who kept turning a teaspoon into a mug in it before Alex noticed her put two pills in it.

She folded her hands and rested on the wall. "What are you doing?"

The girl jolted, eyes wide as she stared at Alex. It was obvious she hadn't heard her walk in. "I— I'm making tea for my Mistress,"

Elise Holmes.

Alex walked to her in two strides, taking up the pill bottle the girl hadn't bothered to hide and stared at it. Right, she was familiar with this.

Sleeping pills.

"Isn't it too early for that?" She asked, looking up at the female.

The maid said nothing.

She didn't look terrified about being caught, or reported, which meant she was told to do that by someone with higher power.

This someone being Sebastian Holmes.

Alex walked to the sink and poured it down the drain. "Make another one,"

"But—"

"Make another one," Alex repeated, setting another different mug in front of the girl. "If you have any complaints, do that after you've made the godforsaken tea."

She obeyed.

When she was done, Alex placed the mug in a tray with cookies on it before heading back up the stairs. The maid had told her the lady's room, which surprisingly was far away from Paris' and most of the other rooms.

Getting there, Alex pushed the door open with one hand. The air in the room was warm, and light came through from the window. Some feet away from where she was, was a bed with a sleeping figure on it.

She walked to it, setting the tray on the desk beside the bed and sitting on the chair opposite it as she stared at the person.

Elise had the same dark hair as Paris, but her features were different. Smoother, giving off a radiant sort of glow just by looking at her. Her nose seemed perfect shaped as well, and her lips, pouty, and though dull looking beautiful as well.

She looked like a model. Or an actress. Someone that should be on TV.

Yet—

Her skin looked pale, like it had been a while since she had gone under the sun, and her breath was uneven. It made Alex remember...

Remember Mom.

Though there was a significant difference, like the skin colour for example, but she still looked the same way Adriana did when she was completely out of it. Minus the alcohol smell.

Alex felt her hands move out to her face, and by instinct, brush a strand sticking to her forehead away.

Immediately, Elise's eyes fluttered open, causing Alex to snatch her hand back, words coming out stutters. "I— I didn't mean to wake you, I'm so sorry—"

Elise said nothing. First, she stared, and Alex noticed her eyes were blue. Blue like violets before she said in the smallest possible voice Alex had ever heard, "Do I know you?"

Her voice was so soft. Incredibly soft. Like she barely ever used it. And her eyes...

They held no accusations. There was something about her that screamed naivety. Or innocence perhaps. Like she still saw everything in a white and black way.

How long had she been locked in here?

"I'm—" What was she? Alex had no idea, but she settled with something. "A friend."

Elise's eyebrows furrowed. "Sebastian doesn't like his friends here. He'd be upset you are,"

"I'm not his friend," Alex found herself smiling at her. "I'm a friend of Paris'."

"Oh," A look of understanding came to her face but it got replaced with worry. "That's more disturbing. Sebastian would be upset Paris brought someone here,"

"Do you want me to leave then?" Alex asked. She didn't really plan to leave, but it seemed the reasonable thing to ask. "I know you'd want to be alone—"

"No," Her answer was fast, like she had said it in one breath, because she took one in after and said softly, "It's nice to talk to someone. I don't want— You or Paris to be in trouble."

"We won't," Alex answered, then took up the mug. "I brought your tea for you. It's— Untainted."

Another look crossed over Elise's face but she said nothing. Instead, she tried sitting up though it seemed difficult to before Alex helped her and gave her the mug.

She took it, mumbling a thank you, before pressing it to her lips. Carefully, she sipped, not saying a word as she did so, taking a cookie or two to join in before setting the cup back on the desk and placing her head back on the bed rest. "Thank you,"

How odd was it that she remembered how her Mother never said thank you to her. "You're— You're welcome."

Elise turned to her now. It seemed like the tea had brought back colour to her face because her cheeks now had some redness to it as she said, "Are you— Paris' girlfriend?"

"Not exactly, no."

"Friends with benefits?" Elise asked, then said with a small frown. "He never tells me anything this days,"

"I think that'd be it," Alex answered with a small laugh. "He doesn't— He doesn't come here much?"

"He used to, at the beginning I think but he was so little then and he'd want me when he had nightmares and now..." She let out a small chuckle. "It amazes me. I've been locked up here for so long that seeing Paris each day makes me realize years have passed."

Alex felt the sting in her heart at the words first before she spoke, "You look ageless, Mrs Holmes."

"I bet Aurora did as well,"

"What?"

"Sleeping beauty? She was asleep for a hundred years and must have looked ageless as well," Elise said with a small smile on her face. "Or Prince Phillip wouldn't have kissed her."

"You... Remember that?"

"How couldn't I? She's Paris' favourite princess."

Alex couldn't help the shock that came to her face. "He has a favourite princess?"

"Oh, am I supposed to tell you that?" Her eyes moved to the door then back to Alex, her voice nervous now. "Does it— Does it make him less attractive now?"

She actually cared about that. Alex found herself smiling as she said, "I think it makes him cuter. I'd like to hear more of his— Devious pasts, but I think being here makes you uncomfortable. Is there someone you'd like to go?"

Elise's eyes widened at the words. "I'm— I'm not allowed—"

She looked completely scared by the words and Alex couldn't help the pissed tone that slipped into her words . "He has no choice. He knows not to do as I want,"

Which was true. There were many things she couldn't control, but Alex could control Sebastian. He wasn't home, which meant he went to see Them and They wouldn't let anything happen to Alex.

Hell, They wanted her to abuse their power.

"I'm sorry," Alex muttered, raking a hand in her hair. "I'm not used to people not obeying me." She reached out for Elise's hand and held it. It was slim, and long. With veins that made Alex want to run her fingers through it. "I woke up with a headache, and everything seems annoying. I won't do anything that would hurt you, or Paris. I care about him, and you, as well. I suppose."

"But you don't know me,"

"I have a Mother as well," Alex answered softly. Thinking of Adriana made her hurt more but she didn't mind. "She doesn't listen to me. Or talk to me. It's— Nice, to have someone older talk to me. Makes me feel like it's us... Again. Like before,"

There had been a time Alex and Adriana had been best friends. Not as toxic as they both were now, but she had learnt not to dwell too much in the past anymore.

Not after that night.

"But you seem like a lovely girl," Elise said gently, "Why wouldn't she want to talk to you?"

Alex only smiled at her. "I mustn't be lovely enough then," Then she chuckled. "Shit, I shouldn't have spoken about that. Stupid. You know what? I know exactly what we need."

She stood from the chair, reaching out into her pants pocket then brought out her phone before sending a message to someone.

Elise stared, curiosity on her face. "What are you doing?"

"I got a headache, you need some sort of motivation out of here." Alex replied, before putting the phone back into her pockets. "How do you feel about getting high?"

An hour later, Alex pushed an Elise in her wheelchair, both laughing loudly at something before they spotted Paris who looked unhinged as he walked around the grounds.

Elise saw him first, waving. "Paris!"

He turned first, the panic in his eyes giving way to relief as he jogged to them. "What the actual fuck? Two of you going fucking missing at the same time. I thought Dad had—" Then he paused. "Where have you been?"

"Garden," Elise giggled. She had on a blue sun dress with her hair braided. There was also some hint of make-up on her face. Paris could swear she looked livelier than he had ever seen her. "Alex is allergic to flowers!"

"Mrs Holmes," Alex said, laughing now. "It's supposed to be our secret."

"But I told you he's allergic to cats even though you call him Kitten,"

"That too, was a secret."

Elise giggled this time, a hand over her mouth. "Sorry."

She did not look sorry.

Paris' face had morphed to that of confusion as he stared at his Mother before he got closer, sniffing them both and staring at Alex with shock in his eyes. "Is that... Weed?"

"Busted," Elise said.

Alex could swear Paris wanted to blow a vein because his forehead got crowded with them. "You gave my Mother... Weed? What the actual fuck?"

"If it makes you feel any better," Alex stated, "We both used it."

"No. No, it does not."

"Paris," Elise drawled now, causing them both to look down at her. "It's fine. I feel good."

"But it's irresponsible," He said, though he didn't sound as angry with Elise as he did with her. "She shouldn't have done that."

"Oh, come on," She waved a shaky hand in the air. "It's not like I haven't done much worse."

That seemed to make him do a double take. "What?"

"Well, your Mother has admitted to a lot of things for the past one hour," Alex said, trying to keep a straight face. "And I'm sorry to say this, but your Mom was a hoe."

"Excuse me?"

Both girls laughed now, cackling like two witches that Paris wished he could slap into oblivion as Elise said, "You should have seen your face! You were offended and completely disturbed at the same time!"

"We're joking," Alex said, a smile on her face. "Mrs Holmes is definitely not a hoe."

"Kinda wish I was though," Elise mumbled. "Weed feels great."

"I feel like you're the teenager here now, Mom," He said, facepalming. Alex stared at him now. He had on a pair of joggers with a sweatshirt on, and it was clear he hadn't brushed his hair or done anything because he looked different than he used to.

She liked it.

"I don't know how to feel about this. You're out of your room. Dad's point-blank told me not to bother him when I called to ask if he knew where you were," There was irritation on his face at those words. "I've missed an important test and you're obviously stoned as fuck, but—"

He gave a smile now, crouching down to the floor so he could hold Elise's hand and place it on his face. "I haven't seen you this happy in years. It feels... Great, to be honest."

It was the first time Alex was seeing him like that. So relaxed. Vulnerable. Like he felt at peace for once in his life.

He was happy, that she was happy.

Just like how she would have been if Adriana would just—

Alex's hand gripped the hands of the wheelchair tighter. No, this wasn't about her. It was about Paris.

She liked him this way. When he wasn't scowling, or trying to get her pissed enough to fuck him.

What mattered now, was how long she could keep him that way.

"Which reminds me," Paris looked at her. His hazel eyes glowed now, under the sun and it made Alex want to pat his hair but she didn't. "We have somewhere to be now."

She raised an eyebrow. "We?"

"Yes," Then turned back to Elise, a pained look crossing his face. "Which means I'd have to take you back in, Mom."

"Oh,"

Elise's voice sounded tinier now, as she placed her hands back on her thighs and gave a small laugh. "It was fun while it lasted, then."

"No."

They both turned to Alex as she said with more softness this time, "You can come along, Mrs Holmes."

Paris' voice held warning. "Alex,"

She sent him a look. "It's fine, I— I've worked it all out. Everything's going to be okay."

He now bore a look of suspicion at those words, but he knew not to say anything about it. Instead, he looked at Elise. "Would you like to come along, then?"

She was glad that he trusted her enough not to ask, or perhaps he would, but not in front of Elise. Not that it surprised her, Marcos must have told him something about how they met. It was like the male anyway.

And she was right.

After he was done changing and got them both in his car with Elise in the passenger seat asleep, he asked, "What did you threaten him with?"

"Nothing," Which was half true.

"I thought we agreed no lies," He said, gripping the wheel tighter. "You can't go around threatening everyone to get what you want, Alex."

"One night of fucking and you're acting all bossy," Alex said, staring at him with a dull look on her face.

His face reddened up in embarrassment but he still kept talking, "You're making enemies. They're people who'd want you hurt."

"You seem like you know this certain people,"

He didn't answer.

"And I know what I'm doing," She said. "But if it makes you feel any better, I threatened him with you."

At those words, Paris nearly swerved off the road but managed to return back to it and turn to look at with his face in a frown. "I'm being bloody serious, Parker."

"So am I, Holmes," She said, then tilted her head. "I'm not going to ask anything about your past if you won't ask about mine. All you need to know is that I wouldn't do anything that would hurt you."

It was clear he wouldn't ask. Whatever Paris' past held, meant it embarrassed him. Even if he got curious about her, he wouldn't ask because that would mean confessing on his own side.

"And you?"

Her?

She didn't matter. "Where are we going?"

Paris didn't say anything about the fact she had avoided the question. Infact, he had expected it. "We'd be there soon enough,"

They both sat silently again until Alex realized they were going into a territory she was familiar with.

Marcos' place.

"What are you doing?" She asked, looking at him. Though she tried to keep her tone even, her anxiety managed to sleep through.

"He's home because I told him to stay back," Paris replied, now turning off the car's engine opposite his house. "Now, I know you're going to act like it's none of my business but I spoke to him yesterday. He's miserable and I promised I'd try talking to you for his sake and talking isn't my forte so I just thought it'd be better for you both to see and clear everything out."

Alex stared at him quietly for a few seconds. Her anxiety now giving way to curiously. "Why do you care if we're fighting?"

"Because..." An emotion crossed through his face as he frowned, looking away now. "Because it's obvious you missed him. And maybe— Maybe I don't like him sad. He's sort of cool... Even though he's fucking weird."

And all this excuses, just summed up oke sentence. "You like him."

"As a friend," He snapped immediately, then made a disgusted face. "Jesus. I just called that kid a friend. Fuck, my standards are dropping. It's all your fucking fault. And his. Why does he have to make me feel bad when he cries? It's not like—"

Alex grabbed his shirt's collar and slammed her lips on his.

At first, Paris tensed but relaxed when he realized she wasn't planning to let go. Her hand moved into his hair, a small sigh leaving her lips as she raked a hand through it before she sucked and bit on his lower lips, hearing him let out a small whimper at the action and pulled away.

As she did so, she realized his shirt was now completely creased with his hair as ruffled as it was this morning.

And he did too, because he was frowning again. "A warning would be nice,"

"Thank you," She did miss Marcos but having to see him after leaving him like that. Hurting him like that.

"What for?"

"For this," Alex said, "And being his friend. He needs someone like you, Hermes."

He didn't even try to hide the snicker. "Everyone does."

A small laugh left her lips now before she turned back to the house, seeing a silver haired male standing outside it with a nervous look on his face.

Alex stared at him for a few seconds, not saying a word before she stepped out of the car. Marcos stared, hands playing with the hem of his T shirt before she walked some few steps forward and paused.

With his big polo shirt, Winnie the Pooh socks and hair in two pigtails, he looked so much like a baby right now.

Her baby.

Alex smiled, raising her hands up. "Come on,"

He bolted, faster than he'd ever gone, slamming into her body then wrapped his arms around her waist with his face pressed to her chest.

She held him tight as well, pressing her face to his hair. Cookies. She had missed his smell.

He looked up at her now, eyes wet and round with his lips in a pouy. "I'm so sorry, Mommy. I shouldn't have said that. Done that too. You don't deserve someone that isn't kind, or sweet or—"

"It's okay, Eros." She said softly, brushing his hair then moved to his cheeks which he rested on. "I— I don't care, to be honest. What you do. Or what you keep from me. You can keep it, but I want you to know that I love you. Do you understand? I'd never leave you. No matter what,"

Marcos' eyes sparkled at the words. The sad look in his eyes now gone. "Promise?"

She nodded. "Yes,"

"I told you not to cry again, Marcos." Another voice said as it's owner walked to them. Paris stood beside Alex now, hands in his pockets with his scowl still on his face. "Such a baby,"

Marcos stuck his tongue out at him, then turned back to Alex. "Would you— Come in? I told Abuela you were coming and she made something for you,"

"Alright," Alex said then turned to Paris. "Unless you're joining us, of course."

"Me?" He was genuinely surprised, but she knew the idea pleased him, but of course, Paris never gave a direct answer. "But my Mom—"

"Can come too." Alex completed

"Mrs Holmes?" Marcos tried peering over Alex's shoulder to the car, an awed look coming to his face.  "She looks so pretty— Oww!" He rubbed his head now, looking at Paris. "What did I do?"

Paris glared at him. "I can share Alex. Not my Mother."

Alex turned to him, another smile coming to her face. "Did you just use the word share?"

"I—" He frowned again. "Well, you heard what you heard."

"A, he's blushing." Marcos smiled at him. "Paris has a cute blush."

"I swear, I'd wring your neck if you say one more fucking word from that pea sized brain."

"And he's blushing more, aww. Ah!"

In a flash, Marcos was running around the lawn screaming with Paris after him. A laugh leaving her lips.

It was true. Her life at the beginning had been something close to perfect, and it wasn't anymore, but she was grateful for her boys.

At least, for the moments they had now because she knew, even though she had meant her promise.

There would always be an end.